Couch_Dog_Statement_of_Grounds_Tue_Jul_5_2022_13-12-38 Statement of Grounds - Salem Zoning Board of Appeals Application
76 Lafayette St, Salem, MA 01970
(Map 34 Lot 417)(B-5 Zoning District)
Petitioner: Couch Dog Brewing Co., LLC
PO Box 1498, Arlington, MA 02474
Overview: Couch Dog Brewing is seeking a special permit per Sec. 3.0 Table of Uses of the
Salem Zoning Ordinance to allow a 3-barrel (93 gallon) microbrewery and taproom at 76
Lafayette St. Currently, the building also has a Mexican Restaurant (Howling Wolf Taqueria) on
the first floor, RCG LLC offices on the second floor, and residential apartments on floors 3 and
above.
a) Social, economic, or community needs served by the proposal: We plan to make a
positive impact on the community by fostering an inclusive and diverse environment, hosting
events, promoting local eateries and businesses, and partnering with charity organizations. We
also aim to be the first Asian American-owned brewery in New England and reflect our heritage
by brewing beers with unique and nostalgic flavors.
b) Traffic flow and safety, including parking and loading: We do not foresee impacts to
traffic flow and safety. The property at 76 Lafayette St has a shared retail parking lot in the rear
as well as ample street parking in the downtown area. There exist two means of egress (rear
parking lot and an entrance on New Derby St), and loading will not occur during taproom hours
to maintain safety and reduce impact to traffic.
c) Adequacy of utilities and other public services: The existing utilities and public services to
this property are adequate for our needs, and we will not negatively impact the service of these
utilities to the building or local area. We are using a small BREWHA Equipment system, which
was designed for use in compact retail-like spaces, and which has low utility requirements (e.g.
3/4" water line, standard 208V 3-phase electrical).
d) Impacts on the natural environment, including drainage: There will be no significant
impacts to the natural environment. Our BREWHA Equipment heat-sterilizes itself with each
batch, which reduces the need for caustics and acid sanitizers compared to other beer brewing
equipment, and the building already has floor drains which will be sufficient for all water used in
the brewing process. We plan to filter our effluent to reduce particulates going down the drains.
For solid wastes, we plan to partner with a local farmer to use spent grain as animal feed. We
will also maintain a contract with a compost hauler for times that the farmer is unable to pick up
the grain.
e) Neighborhood character: The proposed use fits within the neighborhood character of the
downtown business district. There are already two breweries with public taprooms in the B5
district, which are well attended by both Salem residents and tourists. Unlike other
establishments that primarily serve alcohol, craft breweries attract multigenerational families and
are not typically used for binge drinking. Compared to the previous tenant at this space
(T-Mobile), we will provide a vibrant community space and encourage tourism and foot traffic.
We do not plan to change the footprint or brick exterior of the building apart from approved
signage, so the appearance of the property will be maintained.
f) Potential fiscal impact, including impact on City Tax base and employment: The impact
on City tax base and employment will be positive. We plan to employ 4-6 individuals within the
first 2 years of business to work as servers, assistant brewer, and taproom manager, with
opportunities for further future growth, and we will contribute to Salem property tax revenue and
draw an influx of patrons from surrounding communities.